A weblog devoted to spurring a conversation among those who use words to varying degrees in their daily work. Hosted by John Ettorre, a Cleveland-based writer and editor. Please email me at: john.ettorre@gmail.com.
"There comes a time when you realize that everything is a dream, and only those things preserved in writing have any possibility of being real."
--James Salter

Monday, September 22, 2008

Letters to a Young Journalist/NovelistMy friend TJ Sullivan, half journalist and half novelist, has just posted some wonderful insights for young writers who are trying to pursue both kinds of writing. Who better than the L.A.-based veteran writer to provide advice on that subject? TJ just finished work on his latest novel. He charmed me the other day by telling me about his ritual upon completing each book. He reads aloud one chapter each night to his wife. Congratulations, T.J. I'm looking forward to seeing that novel on my local bookstore shelf soon.

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And, lest any young writers misinterpret my tradition of reading aloud to my wife, I feel I should clarify something:

Never confuse your entourage for your audience.

In most cases, the worst people to ask for input about what you've written are the people closest to you. Read your work aloud to hear what you've written, not to hear someone else judge whether it's any good.

When you know enough to know good writing from bad without asking anyone is a matter for an entire post all its own.

All well said, TJ. And when you're ready to write your definitive take on that last compelling subject--knowing good writing from bad without asking anyone--do let me know. We'd love to highlight that as well.

By the way, I've foolishly cut corners on my description of TJ by saying he's a journalist/novelist. He's also a teacher, and something of an accomplished photographer. You can sample his vivid photography here:

Not to worry--we've got nothing but time around here. This has been a five and a half year long project (this blog), after all. So we're not in a rush. We're more than happy to wait for the best stuff.

About Me

I'm a Cleveland, Ohio-based writer, editor and writing coach, with more than 25 years of experience, including stints in Chicago and Washington, D.C. My work has appeared in more than 100 print and online publications, from the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor to local and regional publications. My work has been recognized by awards (including an Emmy) from four journalism groups.